Chapter 463: We Are Just Merchants

The ceremony was presided over by Wang Wenwu. He walked to the microphone, and his voice, amplified, rang throughout the entire harbor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather here to jointly witness the important moment of friendly cooperation between the Lanfang Republic and the British Empire. According to the bilateral agreement, the Lanfang Republic Navy's battleship‑cruisers 'Revival' and 'Restoration Ship' are formally transferred to the British Empire's Royal Navy!"

Applause sounded, but it was not enthusiastic. The Yingguo delegation clapped out of courtesy, while Lanfang officials wore complex expressions.

"Now, please the two nations' representatives sign the transfer documents."

A long table was moved onto the viewing platform. Chen Feng and A Si Kui Si walked to the table and signed the two documents respectively. Flashbulbs flickered—today four photographers were permitted, two Yingguo Reuters and two Lanfang Xinhua.

After signing, the two exchanged documents and shook hands. The photographer hurried to capture the scene— in the frame, Chen Feng wore a smile, while A Si Kui Si's smile was forced.

"Next, the lowering and raising of the flags ceremony!"

The military band played the two nations' anthems. First came the anthem of X country—Lanfang still uses this piece as its anthem. Amid the majestic melody, on the Revival's main mast, the red‑field gold‑dragon flag, already half lowered, slowly descended.

Lin Santai bit his lip hard, refusing to let himself cry. He recalled the scene when the flag was first raised years ago. Back then he watched the banner flutter over the Yellow Sea and felt the whole ocean belonged to Lanfang. Now…

The flag fell into the hands of a deck sailor, was carefully folded, and placed into a wooden box.

Next came the Yingguo national anthem "Heaven Bless Our King". The Union Jack rose slowly, unfurling at the top of the mast and fluttering in the wind.

On the viewing platform, Yingguo officials straightened their backs. Bei Er Fu even hummed the melody softly.

But A Si Kui Si did not. He looked at the flag and thought: beneath this flag is a ship built by Easterners. And the Eastern army is taking root within the traditional sphere of influence of the British Empire.

The ceremony continued. The captains of the two vessels exchanged— the former Lanfang captain handed the ship's key to the newly appointed Yingguo captain. Then the new captain boarded, inspecting the sailors on board.

Everything proceeded according to protocol—precise, standardized, flawless.

But everyone could sense the subtle atmosphere: this was not a celebration, but a transaction. Not a testament of friendship, but an exchange of interests.

The final segment was the firing of salute guns. The Main Guns of the Revival and the Restoration Ship were slowly raised, pointing to the sky—an international custom, where the new owner fires a salute after the transfer.

But at that moment, an accident occurred.

The Restoration Ship's number‑two turret jammed while rotating. The machinery emitted a harsh grinding sound, and the barrel hung suspended, neither up nor down.

The venue fell silent instantly. The Yingguo officers' faces changed—what does this mean? Deliberate?

Liu Yongfu's complexion turned deathly pale, and he immediately grabbed the radio: "What's happening?!"

A frantic reply came from the ship: "Mechanical failure! Drive gear seized! Repairs needed!"

Repairs? At an event like this? A Si Kui Si's face was already ashen.

Chen Feng remained calm. He turned to A Si Kui Si and said in a voice everyone could hear: "Prime Minister, my apologies. This vessel has been in service for six years, having endured fierce battles in the East Sea; although it underwent a major overhaul, some old wounds are inevitable."

He paused, then added: "Rest assured, the transfer agreement includes a warranty clause. Any non‑human‑caused failure within three months will be repaired free of charge by Lanfang."

The words sounded like an explanation and guarantee, but everyone present sensed another meaning: see, our ships have seen battle and blood, not those showroom‑new vessels in the dock.

A Si Kui Si forced a smile: "Understood. War equipment inevitably carries some... history."

The malfunction was cleared after fifteen minutes. The salute finally sounded, the twenty‑one blank shells echoing across the bay. But the atmosphere could not be restored.

The ceremony ended, followed by a luncheon reception. But A Si Kui Si declined the invitation citing travel fatigue, and returned directly to the 'Malaya'.

Before parting, he said to Chen Feng: "Mr. President, regarding your earlier proposal… I will consider it seriously. But please understand, it will take time."

"Of course," Chen Feng said, shaking his hand, "I await your news."

Watching the Yingguo delegation's convoy depart, Wang Wenwu walked up to Chen Feng and whispered, "Was the malfunction real?"

Chen Feng looked at the receding vehicles: "Does it matter?"

"If it were deliberate, wouldn't it be too obvious?"

"Sometimes, obviousness is actually beneficial," Chen Feng turned, looking toward the veterans' viewing area, "Let the Yingguo know that, although we provide fine ships, they are not toys that have never seen battle. And let our people know… the nation will not forget their sacrifice, even in this form."

Lin Santai and his comrades still sat there, watching the two ships bearing the Union Jack. Several of them were silently shedding tears.

Chen Feng walked over. The veterans immediately stood, intending to salute, but he stopped them.

"Sit down," he said, also taking a seat on an empty chair beside him, "Does it hurt inside?"

Lin Santai wiped his eyes: "Sorry, Mr. President, we couldn't hold back…"

"I should be the one apologizing," Chen Feng said, looking at the distant warship, "for handing over the ship you defended with blood to others."

Silence.

After a while, Lin Santai spoke: "Mr. President, may I ask a question?"

"Ask."

"Will these two ships ever return?"

Chen Feng did not answer directly. He stood, patted Lin Santai's shoulder—the empty sleeve swayed lightly in the wind.

"Old Lin, look over there," he said, pointing toward the harbor shipyard.

There, on the new slipway, a larger Keel was being laid. Sparks from the welding flashed like fireworks.

"The old ships will depart, new ships will arrive," Chen Feng said softly, "but the most important thing is that the shipbuilders remain, the captains remain, and the heart that guards the sea remains."

He turned, facing all the veterans: "I assure you: the two ships departing today, their names—'Revival' and 'Restoration Ship'—will forever remain in the Lanfang Navy's roster. In the future, new battleships will inherit these names, larger, stronger, more advanced. And those who command those ships will be your sons, grandsons, and successors."

He paused, each word deliberate: "History will not stop here; it will only restart from here…"

The veterans looked at him, at this leader many years younger than they. Then Lin Santai was the first to stand, raising his only remaining right hand in salute.

The others also rose, saluting.

No words were spoken, yet everything was conveyed in the military salute.

Chen Feng returned the salute, then turned and left. Wang Wenwu followed, whispering, "Will the Yingguo accept the mercenary proposal?"

"Half and half," Chen Feng said as he walked, "but they currently have no better options. The Somme River needs a Breakthrough, needs troops, needs… hope."

"Then if it truly happens, Sakura Nation people fighting Sakura Nation people…"

"That is a problem for the Sakura Nation government to consider," Chen Feng said calmly, "We are merely… merchants. Supplying goods, charging fees, that's all."

Walking to the car, he turned back one last time to glance at the harbor.